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Take steps to prevent falls: September 23 is Falls Prevention Awareness Day
On Sept. 23, get out and take a walk to help raise awareness that falls are NOT a normal part of aging.
By Suzanne Burke, CEO Council on Aging
Recently a friend of mine went to her father's house to pick him up for an appointment. Sitting in her car, she watched him walk down his slightly sloping front walkway, his hand skimming the top of the railing. Her cell phone buzzed and she turned her head to find it and punch it off. When she turned back, her father was nowhere in sight. Startled, she opened her car door and saw him sprawled at the bottom of the walk. 

"This is it," she thought as she ran to him. "This is the fall where he breaks his hip."  Read more...

Learn about Ohio's 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign.

Local media coverage about fall prevention: WLWT and Cincinnati.com
Aging & Disability Resource Network Updates
Senior Services Levy on ballot in Butler County November 3
The campaign is in full swing for the Senior Services Levy in Butler County.  Issue 13 will be on the ballot November 3 as a renewal of the 1.3-mill property tax levy that funds services to help the county's frail seniors stay independent in their homes.   Read more
COA helps Ohio lead nation in moving people out of nursing homes
Many people in nursing homes are unable to leave simply because they have nowhere to go. Their greatest desire may be to return to the community to live independently again.  Ohio is a national leader in making that dream come true, helping nearly 6,800 people leave nursing facilities since 2008. Read more
News You Can Use
Looking Ahead: Medicare open enrollment begins October 15
Medicare's open enrollment period runs October 15 - December 7.  This is a good time to review your coverage because drug formularies, provider networks, and plan benefits change from year to year.

For accurate, unbiased information about Medicare and the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, plan to attend a local Medicare Check-up event.  Read more
Get help with winter heating bills
For many of us, the deep freeze of the last few winters is still fresh in our minds.  And for people with low or modest incomes - including many older adults and people with disabilities - high energy prices are a frightening prospect as we head towards cold weather.  Financial assistance is available.  Read more
Free workshops help adults manage ongoing health conditions
For people with an ongoing (chronic) health condition such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, or arthritis, the day-to-day work of symptom management can be a grueling task. Fatigue, pain, isolation, confusion about medications, and worries about out-of-pocket medical costs are common issues.   Healthy U, a free workshop offered at convenient locations across southwest Ohio, can help.  Read more
Long-term Care Corner
What is Medicaid Estate Recovery?
Many people who are considering programs such as PASSPORT or the Assisted Living Waiver have concerns about Ohio's Medicaid Estate Recovery Program.  When the state pays for your care through Medicaid, it will attempt to recover the cost of that care through your estate after you die.  What does this mean for your spouse, surviving children, your home and other personal property?   Our Medicaid Estate Recovery factsheet includes resources and commonly asked questions that will help you understand the estate recovery program.   Click here for a copy of the factsheet.
For Your Health
September marks suicide prevention and awareness
In 2010, more than 8,600 adults ago 60+ committed suicide.  Suicide attempts are often more lethal in older adults than in younger adults, and the rate of suicide among white males age 85+ is over four times higher than the nation's overall suicide rate.  Many factors contribute to the problem of suicide among older adults: loneliness and isolation; a sense of hopelessness brought on by the decline of mental or physical health; personal losses; depression and more.  Aging service, behavioral health, and primary care providers can play an important role in preventing suicide by identifying at-risk older adults and taking appropriate follow-up actions.  
Click here for a list of resources and tools from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
Council on Aging Updates
Council on Aging CEO recognized among local non-profit and healthcare leaders
The 2015 Comprehensive Healthcare Leadership Honorees
Recipients of The Comprehensive Healthcare Leadership Award at a July awards luncheon.
Photo Credit: LEAD Cincinnati
Council on Aging's CEO Suzanne Burke was recently recognized by two leading business and philanthropy publications as a leader among local healthcare and non-profit professionals. 

On Sept. 18, Ms. Burke was featured in the Cincinnati Business Courier's People to Know in Nonprofits 2015.  Earlier this summer Ms. Burke was selected as a recipient of The Comprehensive Healthcare Leadership Award by Venue Media, the publisher of Venue Magazine and LEAD Magazine.  Read more
Events and Learning Opportunities
Visit the Events page on our website for a complete, up-to-date list of events for adults, caregivers and professionals.  Unless otherwise noted, the following events are NOT in any way affiliated with Council on Aging.  Please use the links included with each event to get or request additional information. 
Featured Event
Workshop helps people understand and plan for long-term care
Attorney Dennison Keller talks to Own Your Future participants about Medicare and Medicaid
Until a few weeks ago, your 78-year-old mother was an active, independent member of the community.  Today she is being discharged from a nursing home where she has been recovering from a stroke.  She cannot get up and down or walk without assistance, she may never drive again, and she will need help with meals and household chores for the foreseeable future.   Despite all this, she wants to go home.

What are her options for care?  How much will it cost?  Will Medicare pay for it?  Does she have long-term care insurance? A crisis like this is not the time to start asking these types of questions.

Council on Aging's Own Your Future Workshop gives families the knowledge and tools to make a plan for long-term needs and costs.  Expert speakers cover topics including Medicare and Medicaid, long-term care options, and financial planning for long-term care.

The next workshop is 5-7:30pm, October 6 &13 at the West Chester Activity Center.  Click here for more information and to register.  Registration is required.
Other upcoming events and education opportunities 
Fall and Winter Lifelong Learning Opportunities from Clermont Senior Services

Caregiver Conference @ Central Connections, Middletown: September 23


Take a Stand to Prevent Falls @ Daniel Drake Center: September 24

Webinar: Fall-Related TBIs Among Older Adults: September 30


Healthy U Leadership Training: October 14, 15, 21, 22 and 28

Resource Directory Tip
September is National Preparedness Month
According to Ready.gov, the likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today. While each person's abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies.  Our Resource Directory includes information and resources to help you prepare for a variety of emergency situations. 
About Council on Aging

Council on Aging is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging, serving a 21-county region.  Our mission: Enhance people's lives by assisting them to remain independent at home through a range of quality services. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.   Learn more about COA

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